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Originally Posted by kb100  It used to give me excellent sharp and vivid pictures. But lately the pics have become extremely 'grainy' - this effect gets even more exaggerated indoors. What could be the reason? Here is an example
Secondly what might be a good camera to buy. Something with some good preloaded options/settings - again lots of landscape and holiday 'spur of the moment' shooting - No time to join Photography classes!!  |
kb100, Apart from Kaushik's suggestions, there is really one reason why P&S pics come out grainy. And that is ISO. The sensors of all cameras have a range of sensitivity just like we used to have with film: Speed ratings of 100, 200, 400 etc. The higher the ISO, the more the grain.
In the pictures with high grain, check the ISO. Any number above 400 will be very grainy. The way to fix this is to go manual and tweak settings yourself. There really is no way around it. But do remember there is no free lunch - a low ISO setting will mean slower shutter speed and camera shake.
The camera is trying to do the best job it can given its limitations
For a new camera are you looking at a DLSR or a P&S? A DSLR will be more capable of handing the situations you have described.
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Originally Posted by kb100 ...the whole picture gets a blue/purple tint - I don't know if its coincidence but the battery also normally packs up immediately afterwards.
Am wondering if the battery is the cluprit here - not able to provide the required juice? (but it does last me about 30 shots
...indoors suck big time! Here are two shots taken on the same day, same setting, and by the same person (my wife!) |
First I think you've hit the nail on the head with the battery. Perhaps the camera doesn't have enough juice to take the picture. How many shots could you take when the battery was new? 30 seems very low.
As far as indoor shots are concerned, they will suck with most P&S cameras. Typically the lenses are slow, the flash power anemic and therefore the ability to get the shot limited.
Most P&S cameras do well in good light. They really can't handle adverse lighting situations. You do pay a price for the convenience of a small camera.